Balmain

Founded by Pierre Balmain in 1945, this eponymous Parisian label is the cool girl's destination for ornately embellished outerwear, spray-on leather pants and directional tough-luxe dresses. Originally a go-to for ultra feminine couture, former creative director Christope Decarnin re-energized the house with his instantly recognizable rock 'n' roll aesthetic. After his departure in early 2011, second-in-command Olivier Rousteing took the helm and has been charged with refocusing on the label's artisan roots while maintaining its particular brand of decadent rock-chic glamour.